Altoona, PA (WJAC) — Authorities in Blair County say an Altoona man is facing charges after being accused of repeatedly molesting a 10-year-old girl.
Police say 32-year-old Christopher Roberts allegedly admitted to assaulting the girl approximately 5 to 6 times, including while the girl was sleeping.
Police say the investigation into Roberts began when the victim's mother, who lives with him, reportedly witnessed one of the assaults.
Authorities say Roberts told investigators that "his curiosity" got the best of him and that he has been "struggling with temptation" for some time.
According to the affidavit, police say Roberts admitted that he knew what he did was wrong.
"The incident occurred at the suspect's residence," Altoona Police Sgt. Matthew Plummer told 6 News on Thursday.
"The victim was the daughter of the girlfriend of the defendant, the living girlfriend of the defendant," Blair County District Attorney Pete Weeks told 6 News. "So, the defendant lives with the victim."
Weeks also said, "I am aware that he worked at, or owns, or is associated with a gymnasium that focuses on gymnastics. And it appears to be for children, but that's — I'm just generally aware of that."
Roberts is reportedly the owner of a local gymnastics center, however, police have not yet confirmed which one.
"We do not have any information that might, you know, lead to something like [more alleged victims] right now," said Plummer. "So, we don't have anything indicating there's anything related to the suspect's business."
"We are certainly asking that this particular defendant, Mr. Roberts, be prohibited from contact with the victim or other minor children," Weeks emphasized. "And I would certainly advise anyone in the public, if they have concerns, to contact the Altoona Police Department, specifically Detective Strobel."
Roberts was arraigned to the Blair County Prison on Wednesday on charges of indecent assault, unlawful contact with a minor and corruption of minors, according to online court records.
He has since posted bail and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 12.
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